HANS Andersen believes the captaincy role at Pirates comes naturally to him – because he has always tried to be a leader.

The 35-year-old was appointed interim skipper following the departure of previous captain Davey Watt last month.

Andersen’s reign started with a heavy defeat at Wolverhampton but Poole hit back in the reverse fixture and then earned a creditable draw at Leicester.

The veteran Dane told the Daily Echo: “I don’t put too much into the captaincy because it’s just the way I am.

“I’ve always walked up and down the pits and chatted to all the boys anyway, it comes pretty naturally to me.

“I’m not a person who sits in my corner and does my little bit.

“It’s easier when you are riding well and in that situation your team-mates probably listen a bit more to you about set-ups.

“I’ve got plenty of time on the side for that and I just want to see my team do well.

“It’s not about me riding well, it’s about being in a winning team.”

Andersen has been arguably Pirates’ signing of the season to date having racked up the points in a string of fine displays.

The former Swindon and Belle Vue man, who stepped up to the number-one berth in the draw at Leicester, revealed how he was enjoying life at Wimborne Road.

He added: “When you have engines that are going well then it’s so much easier to ride because you move with the bike more easily and are a lot more balanced.

“I’m fully confident in my bikes. I’m not thinking about whether the clutch is working or whether the carburettor is adjusted in the right way.

“I’m enjoying myself which everyone can see – that is why I’m riding well.

“That was one of the key things for me that I agreed with Matt when I came back to Poole. The reason I left Coventry was because at times I didn’t really enjoy it and that was why I couldn’t perform.

“Whatever you do, if you don’t enjoy it, you aren’t going to do a proper job.”